The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
Cocktail Bar | Liverpool | England | United Kingdom
Historic pub in Liverpool
"The Philharmonic Dining Rooms" is a renowned cocktail bar and historic pub in Liverpool, England, known for its exceptional architecture and rich history. This pub, often simply referred to as "The Phil," is among the most magnificent Victorian pubs in the country and is recognized as a Grade I listed building – a rare distinction that marks it as a structure of outstanding interest. It was built between 1898 and 1900 for the brewer Robert Cain, an influential businessman who owned over 200 pubs in Liverpool during his time. The design comes from local architect Walter W. Thomas, supported by craftsmen from the School of Architecture and Applied Arts of the then University College, overseen by G. Hall Neale and Arthur Stratton. The pub is located opposite the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, which gave it its name and makes it a popular meeting place for concertgoers and musicians.
Exquisite cocktails in Liverpool
The exterior of the building impresses with its eclectic architecture in the "exuberant free style," crafted from ashlar stone with a slate roof. Particularly striking are the ornate Art Nouveau entrance gates, considered some of the finest examples of this art form in Britain. The opulence continues inside: the main bar is adorned with intricate details such as repoussé copper panels by Henry Bloomfield Bare and Thomas Huson, plasterwork by C. J. Allen, as well as mosaics and mahogany elements. The musical theme, inspired by the nearby concert hall, is reflected in the design, notably in two small rooms named "Brahms" and "Liszt." Another highlight is the men's restrooms, equipped with pink marble and elaborate tiles, often regarded as the most splendid in any British pub – a detail that even attracts tourists who are allowed to visit them when not in use.
Victorian architecture in Liverpool
The "Philharmonic Dining Rooms" offer an extensive drinks menu that caters to both traditional and modern tastes. The selection of cask ales, served perfectly poured, is particularly highlighted, as well as a variety of premium gins and fine wines. Cocktails play an important role, with bartenders combining classic recipes with contemporary accents. Additionally, a whisky offering complements the menu, appreciated by connoisseurs. The culinary offerings include classic British pub dishes, such as handmade pies like the "British Steak & Nicholson’s Pale Ale Pie" or the "Chicken and Truffled Oyster Mushroom Pie." Other highlights include traditional Sunday roasts, fish and chips, and seasonal specialties like "Pulled Duck Croquettes" or "Garlic Mushrooms on Sourdough." The kitchen places great emphasis on fresh ingredients and British culinary traditions presented with a touch of sophistication.
Traditional British pub dishes
The pub spans five floors and offers various rooms, each with its own character. Besides the main bar, there is the "Grande Lounge," a former billiards room that occupies almost half of the ground floor and is decorated with a massive frieze by Charles Allen, depicting scenes such as "The Crowning of Apollo" and "The Murmuring of the Sea." Other rooms, like the former "Smoke Room" and "News Room," feature mahogany paneling, fireplaces, and stained glass windows – the latter in the "News Room" showcases Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, with the inscription "Music is the Universal Language of Mankind." These details underscore the historical role of the pub as a meeting place for Liverpool’s affluent middle class at the time of its construction, an era when the city was a significant trading hub of the British Empire.
Music history in Liverpool pubs
Culturally, "The Phil" has also left its mark. Paul McCartney performed here as a young musician and returned for a spontaneous concert in 2018, highlighting the pub’s connection to Liverpool’s music scene. Its reputation as the "cathedral among pubs" – a phrase that reflects its grandeur and its location between Liverpool's Anglican and Catholic cathedrals – is confirmed by experts like Pollard and Pevsner, who describe it as the most richly decorated Victorian pub in Liverpool of national significance.
